Navalny's burial set for March 1 in Moscow Accusations against Putin spark

The late Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, will be laid to rest at a cemetery in Moscow on March 1.

This announcement follows Navalny's sudden demise in an Arctic prison earlier this month, sparking intense scrutiny and accusations against Russian President Vladimir Putin, Caliber.Az reports, citing BBC.

Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, was known for his anti-corruption activism and opposition to the Russian government. His death on February 16th has led to widespread speculation and accusations of foul play. His widow, Yulia Navalnaya, and several world leaders have directly blamed Putin for his demise.

Details surrounding the cause of Navalny's death remain elusive, and Russian authorities initially resisted releasing his body to his mother, Lyudmila, relenting only eight days after his passing. Yulia Navalnaya, addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, expressed uncertainty about the funeral proceedings, questioning whether they would be peaceful or if authorities might arrest those bidding farewell to Navalny.

Meanwhile, The Independent reported claims made by Maria Pevchikh, the chair of Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, suggesting that Putin orchestrated Navalny's death to thwart a planned exchange. According to Pevchikh, negotiations were in their "final stages" to swap Navalny for a Russian FSB security service hitman, Vadim Krasikov, jailed in Germany. Pevchikh alleged that Putin, learning of the potential exchange, chose to eliminate Navalny, considering him a bargaining chip.

Pevchikh explained Putin's alleged reasoning in a YouTube video, stating, "I can’t tolerate Navalny being free. And since they’re willing to exchange Krasikov in principle, I just need to get rid of the bargaining chip. Then I’ll offer someone else when the time comes." The extent of Western officials' involvement in the exchange proposal remains unclear, though Pevchikh claimed that US and German officials had initially expressed understanding and made promises but failed to act.

Navalny's death has ignited international condemnation, with Western leaders and Navalny's associates asserting that Putin bears responsibility for the opposition figure's demise. Navalny’s mother, Lyudmila, also claimed that she was compelled to sign a death certificate stating that her son died of natural causes.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the funeral of Alexei Navalny is expected to draw attention and possibly protests, with concerns raised over potential police intervention during the proceedings. The situation remains fluid, with global attention focused on unravelling the circumstances surrounding Navalny's untimely death.